Multiple jigsaw puzzle



`Iune 26, 1934. w. A. PARKS 1,964,007

` MULTIPLE JIGSAW PUZZLE Filled April 2o. 195s IN VEN TOR.

Gf- Safe/Ko,

. @w47 ATTORNEY Patented June 26, 1934 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE 2Claims.

My invention relates broadly to educational devices and more particularly to a multiple jigsaw puzzle arranged to provide both beneficial instruction and amusement.

5 One of the objects of my invention is to provide a multiple jigsaw puzzle which is capable of providing a third dimensional pictorial representation as well as a two dimensional pictorial representation as the assembly of the puzzle proceeds.

Another object of my invention is to provide a construction of jigsaw puzzle wherein a multiplicity of parallel layers of heterogeneous parts which contain on the edge portions thereof parts of a pictorial representation which are built up on the sides of the assembled object formed by the multiple layers of heterogeneous parts for producing pictorial representations upon the face of the layers as well as upon the sides of the layers.

Still another object of my invention is to provide a construction of multiple jigsaw puzzle in which a multiplicity of layers of heterogeneous parts each having diiering thicknesses may be assembled in superimposed relation wherein each of the layers is provided with a characteristic marking for designating the order of superposition required for reproducing pictorial representations on the sides of the solid which is thus assembled.

A further object of my invention is to provide a multiple jigsaw puzzle constituted by a plurality of layers of heterogeneous parts in which the s everal layers each have differing thick- 35 nesses and wherein certain of the heterogeneous parts contain portions of pictorial representations upon the faces and certain of the edges of certain of the parts.

A still further object of my invention is to provide a construction of multiple jigsaw puzzle constituted by layers of heterogeneous parts arranged to iit together to form a geometrical solid having edge portions which serve to display a pictorial representation when properly matched at the sides of the figure in addition to the pictorial representation displayed by the assembly of the heterogeneous parts in a plane.

Another object of my invention is to provide an improved construction of jigsaw puzzle constituted by a multiplicity of layers of heterogeneous parts which may be fitted into various shapes of geometrical solids for displaying pictorial representations on the sides of the solids in addition to the pictorial representations ap- 55 pearing on the faces of the individual layers of the heterogeneous parts which serve to build up the solid.

Other and further objects of my invention reside in a construction of a multiple jigsaw puzzle having a high degree of instruction, entertainment and amusement qualities as set forth more fully in the specification hereinafter following by reference to the accompanying drawing, in which:

Figure 1 is a perspective view showing the as- 65 sembled relation of the multiplicity of layers of heterogeneous parts which form the puzzle of my invention; Fig. 2 is a central vertical section taken through the assembled puzzle of Fig. 1; Fig. 3 is a perspective view showing the multiple 70 jigsaw puzzle of my invention constructed as a triangular prism; Fig. 4 shows the multiple jigsaw puzzle of my invention applied to a geometrical solid in the shape of a pyramid; Fig. 5 illustrates a multiple jigsaw puzzle constructed in accordance with my invention and applied to a cylindrical solid; Fig. 6 shows a modified form of multiple jigsaw puzzle embodying my invention wherein the several layers of heterogeneous parts each have the same thicknesses; Fig. 7 illustrates 80 the disassembled superimposed relation of the several layers of the geometrical solid of Fig. 6 where the individual layers are distinguished by different colors on the backs of each of the layers opposite the pictorial face of the layers; Fig. 8 is a perspective View showing the assembled heterogeneous parts employed in the multiple jigsaw puzzle of my invention fitted to form a solid of substantial cubical shape; Fig. 9 illustrates a disassembled superimposed representa- 9o tion of the several layers of heterogeneous parts constituting the multiple jigsaw puzzle of my invention and showing the manner of designating the distinct layers by suitable ornamental markings on the backs of the parts constituting the different layers; and Fig. 10 shows the disassembled superimposed relation of a multiplicity of layers of heterogeneous parts adapted to be assembled to form a cylindrical solid and where the diierent layers are provided with numbers on the back of each of the heterogeneous parts constituting each layer for facilitating the assembly of the parts into a geometrical solid for producing the desired pictorial representation on the sides of the solid in addition to the individual pictorial representations provided by each of the heterogeneous layers.

My invention is directed to an entertainment device in which a jigsaw puzzle forms on its edge an element of a. pictorial representation which is adapted to be built up on the sides of a geometrical solid when and if several layers of different jigsaw puzzles are assembled in proper superimposed relation. The side edges of the several layers of heterogeneous parts for each layer t in a heterogeneous manner, but these edges are so marked that if the layers are properly superimposed, a pictorial representation is built up on the sides of the geometrical solid in addition to the individual pictorial representations which are displayed by the faces of the layers of heterogeneous parts. In order that the assembly of the several layers of heterogeneous parts may be proceeded with in a manner which will aid in the assembly of each of the superimposed layers, I designate the proper relation of the layers ina variety of ways. One method which I employ is to build up the geometrical solid constituting the multiple jigsaw puzzle of my invention by layers of heterogeneous parts which are graduated in thickness from a maximum size at one end of the solid to a minimum size at the other end of the solid. It will be realized that the assembly of the multiple jigsaw puzzle is somewhat confusing as in some geometrical forms the two dimensional sides of the several superimposed layers varies as the thickness of the layers varies. In other forms of my invention in which the layers of heterogeneous parts each have the same thickness I mark the backs of the parts constituting one layer by a color distinctive from the color of the backs of the heterogeneous parts constituting another layer. In lieu of colors, I may employ distinctive ornamental patterns on the backs of the heterogeneous parts constituting the individual layers. I may also stamp or print minute numbers or designating symbols on the backs of the heterogeneous parts constituting one layer so that the person assembling the puzzle is informed as to the particular layer to which the heterogeneous parts belong.

My invention will be more clearly understood by a detailed reference to the drawing wherein I have shown in Fig. 1 a multiple jigsaw puzzle constituted by a multiplicity of superimposed layers of heterogeneous parts designated as 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8. It will be seen that layer #1 has a rather shallow depth while layer #8 has a greater depth. The intermediate layers graduate in thickness from the minimum size at layer #l to a maximum size at layer #8. It will of course be understood that the thicker layer may be located at the top of the puzzle and be gradually reduced in thickness to a position adjacent the base of the puzzle. Layer #l is divided into a multiplicity of heterogeneous parts which I have represented generally by the irregular lines shown at 1a. The heterogeneous parts which form the marginal portions of the puzzle have their edges coacting as represented at 1b for forming a pictorial representation. The coacting edges 1b are of miscellaneous lengths and are not uniform in length but contain fragments of a pictorial design which is adapted to be integrated into a complete picture when the several coacting elements are in place. The heterogeneous parts of the jigsaw puzzle 1 are assembled along lines 1a, forming a pictorial representation shown generally at 10. The coacting edges of the marginal portions 1b, 2b, 3b, 4b, 5b, 6b, 7b and 8b of the several heterogeneous parts coact to form the pictorial representation shown generally at 14 on one face of the geometrical solid. On another face of the geometrical solid the coacting edges unite to form the pictorial representation shown generally at 12. The other laces of the geometrical solid are provided with other pictorial-representations which are built up as the several coacting layers of the puzzle are alsembled one with relation to another.

Pig. 2 provides a clearer representation of the manner in which the heterogeneous parts of the several layers coact to form edge portions which are so intertted as to provide a pictorial representation on the vertical surface which is different from the pictorial representation shown on the horizontal face of the puzzle. It will be observed that the parts which form the pictorial representations on the sides of the geometrical solid are not uniform in their lateral dimensions. That is, the pictorial representation 14 for example is made up of heterogeneous parts which are inter-related on their side edges, the edges being of varying dimensions and not in any sense uniform in their respective lateral dimensions.

In Fig. 3 I have shown a form of my invention in which the heterogeneous parts in the several layers of different thicknesses are interrelated to form a triangular prism. The pictorial representation which appears on the three vertical faces of the geometrical solid in this form of my invention are constituted by the inter-relation of the heterogeneous parts in the positions shown at 1b, 2b, 3b, 4b, 5b, 6b. 7b and 8b.

In Fig. 4 I have shown the arrangement of the heterogeneous parts in the form of a pyramid where the pictorial representations are formed on the inclined faces of the pyramid. In the positions occupied by the word picture in Fig. 4 the heterogeneous parts have varying lateral dimensions and are nterfitted to form the pictorial representation which is on the several sides of the geometrical solid.

In Fig. 5 I have illustrated the manner in which the multiple jigsaw puzzle of my invention may be formed into a geometrical solid of cylindrical shape where the pictorial representation is displayed on the cylindrical surface of the geometrical solid extending around the circumference thereof.

In Fig. 6 I have shown a modified form of my invention where the several heterogeneous layers 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 have the same thickness and where the lateral dimensions of the several intertting parts of the puzzle are unequal as shown at 1b, 2b, 3b, 4b, 5b and 6b. The partsI as assembled in Fig. 6 constitute a solid triangular prism.

Fig. 'l illustrates the manner in which the several coacting layers of heterogeneous parts are inter-related to display the pictorial representations on the side face of the solid. In order to distinguish one layer of heterogeneous parts from an adjacent layer of heterogeneous parts it will be seen that in Figs. 6 and 'l where the layers are each of equal thickness that provision must be made for identifying the layers of suitable llcolored markings on the rear of each layer such as represented at 1c designating the color red, 2c designating blue, 3c designating green, 4c designating yellow, 5c designating black and 6c designating brown or purple.

In Fig. 8 the assembled parts form a solid cube having pictorial representations both on the plane surfaces and on the side faces of the solid.

Fig. 9 illustrates another method of distinguishing the several layers of heterogeneous parts by ornamental markings or patterns on the back of each layer such as designated at 1d, 2d, 3d, 4d, 5d and 6d.

Fig. shows a still further method of distinguishing the heterogeneous parts constituting each of the several layers wherein the backs of the parts forming each layer are provided with a designating character indicating the layer to which the heterogeneous parts therein belong. For example, the several heterogeneous parts in layer #l each bear a. number 1 on the back thereof. Similarly the heterogeneous parts in layer #2 each have a number 2 on the back thereof. Designating numbers 3, 4, 5 and 6 appear on the backs of the heterogeneous parts in the respective layers constituting the multiple jigsaw puzzle. In the several views I have designated the irregular lines of cut along which each of the several layers are divided as at 1a, 2a, 3a, 4d, 5a and 6a.

It will be appreciated that the assembly of the several heterogeneous layers or parts to form a multiple jigsaw puzzle for illustrating pictorial representations not only upon the plane surfaces of each layer but also on the side faces built up by the coacting layers, affords considerable amusement and olfers a high degree of instruction. I have found the multiple jigsaw puzzle of my invention entertaining, attractive and educational in its effect.

While I have described my invention in certain of its preferred embodiments I realize that many modifications may be made by those skilled in the art and I intend no limitations upon my invention other than are imposed by the scope of the appended claims` What I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent of the United States is as follows:

l. A multiple jigsaw puzzle comprising a multiplicity of plane layers of heterogeneous parts, the parts of each layer intertting to provide a pictorial representation on one plane surface thereof, each assembled layer having the heterogeneous parts therein of uniform thickness with the edges extending in planes normal to the surfaces of the plane layers, and each assembled layer having on the exposed edges thereof portions of a pictorial representation which coact with contiguous representations on the aligned normally disposed edges of the other plane layers to form a complete pictorial representation when the plane layers are properly assembled in superimposed position, the several layers of heterogeneous parts varying in thickness from a minimum thickness at one end of the geometrical solid formed by the assembled layers to a maximum thickness at the other end of the geometrical solid with the plane layers gradually varying in thickness therebetween.

2. A jigsaw puzzle comprising a block having a at under face and at side faces defined by straight edges, said block consisting of a plurality of separate layers set one upon another and each layer being of an even thickness throughout its area and having flat edge faces and flat upper and lower faces in parallel planes, the said layers being each formed of a multiplicity of separable parts intertting to form the layer and when assembled providing a pictorial representation upon the upper face of the layer, edge faces of the layers forming pictorial representations upon side faces of the block when the layers are set one upon another in proper sequence, and said layers being of varying thickness relative to each other and when stacked one upon another progressively decreasing in thickness -from a maximum thickness to a minimum thickness through the vertical dimension of the block.

WALTHER A. PARKS. 

